Exercise Device

ABSTRACT

An exercise device has a two-part telescoping elongate bar with a first rod and second rod. The first rod includes a weighted collar affixed to each end that can hold additional weights. The second rod is received within the first rod and engages via a coupling for axial sliding movement outward from an open end of the first rod for telescoping operation such that the device is extensible. A person holds the device using hand grips attached to one end of the first rod and an opposing end of the second rod.

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application claims benefit of U.S. provisional applicationno. 61/350,751 filed on Jun. 2, 2010.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an exercise device that has particularutility for stretching and improving the condition of a person's back.Particularly, the invention relates to an extensible exercise bar devicefor stretching.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Various exercise devices are presently known that comprise a bar havinghand grips. However, each of these devices have shortcomings withrespect to stretching the back.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,257,591 (Evans, Sr.) relates to an exercising devicethat comprises a bar with variable length having hand grips at each ofits opposing ends. However, the device does not have a secure means foradding weight and does not provide an axially sliding member forimproving a stretch.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,006,646 (Nanni) relates to an exercise device thatincludes a hollow tube in which a weight is slidably mounted. Nanni doesnot provide a stable weighted bar that includes an axially slidingmember to improve a stretch.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,623,146 (Jackson) relates to an exercise device withremovable weight on opposite ends of a bar and a sleeve fixed to thecenter of the bar. The device does not provide a weighted bar withweights a fixed distance apart and a pair of rods that are coupled totelescope and axially slide sufficient distance to provide a usefulstretch.

Thus, a need exists for a useful device having stable weights separatedby fixed distance and wherein the device axially slides and isextensible to improve back stretches during rotating, bending andtwisting exercises.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The extensible exercise bar device provides an elongate first rod and anelongate second rod of smaller diameter than the first rod. The elongatesecond rod is received within an open end of the first rod. The secondrod is held within the first rod by a coupling for axial slidingengagement, whereby the second rod telescopes from the first rod uponoutward sliding movement from the first rod. The rods of the exercisebar device may be constructed of polyvinyl chloride and joined togetherby a PCV coupling. The second rod will have some resistance whenextending from the first rod to provide for exercise and improvedresults during stretching. Additionally, the first rod includes a firstcollar and a second collar on opposing ends of the first rod that areeither integrated therein or removable. These collars add weight to thefirst rod that further improves exercise results. The weight of thesecollars may be adjusted by adding additional weight to sleeves on eachcollar that receive the weights, which may consist of stretchable weightrings placed on the sleeves.

In use, a person grips opposing handles in his or her hands that areprovided on one end of the first rod and on the opposing end of thesecond rod. In one effective stretching exercise, the person holds theexercise device behind their back and rotates his or her body whilegripping the opposing handles. As he or she rotates, they extend thesecond rod from the first rod by sliding movement to provide improvementto the stretching exercise. The person may wear an exercise belt aroundtheir waist to rest the bar and cushion the device while protecting theperson's back from excess strain during the stretching exercise.

In another embodiment, the person grips the opposing handles and usesthe device in front of his or her body. In this position, the user canstretch the chest, arms and shoulder areas of the body. These exercisesare especially helpful for relieving stress, improving overallflexibility and adding strength. A bearing member may be includedbetween the handle and the weight collar to assist the user whenoperating the device in front of the body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of an exercise device in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the exercise device illustratingadditional features of the invention shown in FIG. 1 including a featureproviding additional weight and the feature of being extensible.

FIG. 3 is a partial front assembly view of the exercise device inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a partial front plan view illustrating a first handle andcollar features of an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are sectional end views of the collar feature of FIG. 4illustrating a means for removable attachment of the collar featureaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a partial front plan view illustrating a second collar featureof an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a sectional end view illustrating an embodiment of a couplingfeature of the invention.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a method for using the exercise device inaccordance with the invention.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate another method for using the exercise devicein accordance with the invention.

FIG. 10 is a partial front plan view illustrating an embodiment of theinvention having a bearing member between the collar feature and thehandle feature to improve operation in front of the user's body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, an embodiment of an exercise device 2 inaccordance with the invention is shown in FIG. 1. The exercise device 2is a bar-type device comprising a pair of elongate rods coupled togetherin extensible sliding relationship. The rods include an elongate firstrod 4 and an elongate second rod 6. The first rod 4 receives the secondrod and, thus, has a larger diameter in which the second rod 6 can slideinto and telescopically retract. Accordingly, the second rod 6 has asmaller diameter than the first rod 4. The rods may be constructed ofPVC (polyvinyl chloride) to provide a strong and stiff construction thatis yet inexpensive and efficient to manufacture. Alternatively, othersuitable materials like metals or other plastics and composites could beused for commercial gym applications or specific medical rehabilitationapplications of the device.

The second rod 6 is inserted into the first rod 4 through an open end 8of the first rod for axial sliding movement inward for retraction andoutward from the open end for extension for the telescoping operation.The second rod 6 is joined to the first rod 4 through the open end 8 ofthe first rod by a coupling 10 arranged within the open end as shown inFIG. 7. Particularly when the rods are constructed of PVC, the coupling10 may comprise a standard PVC coupling with ridge means to retain therods in sliding engagement. In more robust commercial or medicalapplications, an engineered bearing may be used to couple the rods insliding engagement. Regardless, in the invention, the coupling 10 willlimit the extent of axial sliding movement of the second rod 6 relativeto the first rod 4 and retain the second rod within the open end 8 ofthe first rod when the second rod is completely extended from the firstas shown in FIG. 2. The coupling 10 or bearing also provides someresistance to axial movement of the second rod within the first rodwhich improves the effect of exercise with the device 2. The resistancemay be provided by frictional forces between the coupling and the rods,spring mechanisms between the rods or by pressure such as air pressureor hydraulic pressure. For instance a PVC coupling may be arranged toprovide a relatively tight seal and create a degree of air pressurebetween the rods that imposes a degree of resistance as air is forcedout or air is drawn into the first rod during axial sliding movement ofthe rods with respect to each other.

FIGS. 1-2 show a first collar 12 and a second collar 14 on opposing endsof the first rod 4. As shown in FIGS. 3-6, the collars are mounted onthe first rod in fixed positions. The first collar 12 is mounted in afixed position near one end of the first rod 4 as shown in FIG. 3 andFIG. 4. The second collar 14 is mounted in a fixed position near theopposite end of the first rod 4 as shown in FIG. 6. The collars are bothmounted on the first rod 4 for the present invention whereby the firstrod and the collars are stable during use of the invention to preventrisk of injury and the negative effects that would be had if thedistance between the collars were variable. It is an aspect of theinvention that the collars are fixed distance from each other, and thesecond rod 6 is extensible from the first rod 4 without changing thedistance between the collars. Thereby, the collars provide means foradding weight to the exercise device 2. The collars may be integrated asequally weighted compact weight members onto the ends of the first rod4. Optionally, the collars may be removable to remove weight from theexercise device 2 and reduce the overall weight. FIGS. 4-6 illustrate aclip means comprising clips 16 for holding the collars onto the ends ofthe first rod 4. In one embodiment, the clips 16 may include buttons 18received by holes 20 in the first rod 4 to retain the collars. The clips16 may be removed by using levers 22 attached to the buttons 18 tomanipulate and pull the buttons out of the holes 20 and allow detachmentand removal of each collar 12, 14. Other variations of clips will beapparent to those skilled in the art.

The first collar 12 and second collar 14 may include a fill material ofpredetermined weight or be constructed of an intentionally heavymaterial that will add weight to each end of the first rod.Additionally, the collars may be constructed to provide a receptacle foradditional weight. In particular, the collars may include a smoothcylindrical exterior surface as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, providing asleeve 24 for receiving weights. As shown in FIG. 2., with respect tothe first collar 12, the weights may comprise stretchable rings 26 thatare placed around the sleeve 24 and held in place by friction or by theaddition of a lip on either end of the sleeve. One or more rings 26 maybe placed on the sleeves to add the desired amount of weight. Forexample, a one pound ring could be placed on each end on the opposingsleeves 24 to add a total of two pounds of weight to the exercisedevice. The representation in FIG. 2 shows three one-pound ring weightson the first collar 12. Generally, the collars will be of equal weightand the sleeves will be arranged with equal amounts of any added weightsfor balance. Thus, in the example shown, three rings would be added toboth the first collar 12 and second collar 14 for six total pounds ofadditional weight, three pounds on each end of the first rod 4. Theaddition of weights on the first collar 12 in FIG. 2 and not on thesecond collar 14 is for illustrative purposes to show the variationavailable in the amount of weight that can be provided on the collars.The several weights or rings 26 are placed on the second collar 14 inthe same manner as the first. It will be apparent to those skilled inthe art to vary the design or the collar and the weight added to thecollar. However, the ring weights 26 shown provide a simple consumeroriented manner for safely varying the weight of the device.

While both collars 12-14 are arranged on the first rod 4, the hand gripsshown in the figures are arranged separately on the first rod 4 andsecond rod 6. The first hand grip 30 and the second hand grip 32 areextensible from one another such that the second hand grip moves awayfrom the first hand grip during a person's stretching motion. The firsthand grip 30 is mounted in a fixed position on an end of the elongatefirst rod 4 and on one side of the first collar 12, generally theoutside end of the first rod opposing the open end 8. The second handgrip 32 is mounted in a fixed position on a second end of the second rod6, which is situated opposite the first end of the second rod, oppositewhere the second rod is inserted into the first rod's open end. In thepreferred embodiment shown, the hand grips are both axially aligned withthe rods that provide an ergonomic design favorable for many of thestretching exercises capable of being performs with the exercise device2. Also, the hand grips are preferably constructed of comfortablematerial for gripping the rods. Each grip may be comprised of rubber orplastic members that cover the respective ends of each rod, and eachgrip may include a contoured surface, surface texture or surfacecovering that improve the use of the hand grips for a secure andcomfortable grip on the exercise device. Alternatives may includeproviding some angle to the hand grips; however, this may complicateconstruction and removal of the collars. In this regard, the grips maybe removable by sliding or screwing on and off. As shown in theembodiment of FIG. 3, the hand grips could screw on using a threadedmember 34 on the ends of the rods, which would promote easy removal ofthe hand grips and the collars. In this manner, the exercise device 2could even be provided alternative configurations of hand grips forattachment to the rods' ends.

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate a person 40 using the invention according to onemethod in which the exercise device 2 includes the first rod 4 with thesecond rod 6 arranged for sliding movement and extension with respect tothe first rod. The opposing handles 30-32 are gripped by the person'shands, and the device is held behind their back. The person rotatestheir body as shown by the different positions in the figures, and, asthey rotate, the second rod extends from the first rod by slidingmovement to provide an improved stretching exercise. The second rod 6 isextended from the first rod 4 by pulling the second hand grip 32 on thesecond rod away from the first hand grip 30 on the first rod by slidingmovement as described. The exercise may be enhanced by providing a belt36 around the person's waist on which the exercise device bears andrests against the person's back during some portion of the rotation. Thebelt 36 may improve the comfort of the device during this method of thedevice and may prevent injury. Further, the exercise may be enhanced byadding weight members to the collars on opposing ends of the first rod4. As shown, a one pound ring 26 of weight is added to each collar byplacing the ring on the collar sleeve 24 and held in place by thefriction of the weight ring being stretched around the respectivecollar.

FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate alternative methods for using the invention tostretch and exercise. In 9A the exercise device 2 is held above theperson's head. The person 40 may use the device to obtain a very goodstretch by leaning from side to side while holding the device abovetheir head. As the person leans to a side, the exercise device willextend to improve and increase the stretch. In 9B the exercise device isheld in front of the person's chest. In this case the person may use thedevice to obtain a good stretch by twisting from side to side about theperson's waist while holding the device in front. As the person twiststo a side, the device will extend to improve and increase the stretchprovided by the exercise.

To improve operation of the device in front of the body as shown inFIGS. 9A and 9B, a bearing member 50 may be inserted between the handleon the second rod and the collar sleeve 24. The bearing 50 buffers thehands and enables the user to use the device for stretching andstrengthening in the chest, arms and shoulders. In order to provide acushioned response, the bearing member may be formed of a flexiblerubber sphere, such as a ball, that is received about the circumferenceof the second rod.

The goal of the present device is to build muscles and relieve stress inthe back, shoulder, chest and arm areas. Further, regular use of thedevice will improve a person's flexibility. As a result, the presentdevice increases both the quality of life and longevity of life forthose who otherwise might become unhealthy and immobile.

1. An exercise device comprising: an elongate first rod; an elongatesecond rod received within an open end of the first rod with a first endof the second rod being inserted into the open end the first rod andsaid second rod being engaged for axial sliding movement outward fromthe open end of the first rod for telescoping operation such that saidexercise device is extensible and said first rod having an innerdiameter greater than the diameter of said second rod; a coupling forlimiting the extent of said axial sliding movement of said second rodrelative to said first rod and that retains the second rod within theopen end of the first rod; a first collar and a second collar, saidfirst collar mounted in a fixed position near one end of the firstelongate rod and said second collar mounted in a fixed position near theopposite end of the first elongate rod; and a first hand grip and asecond hand grip extensible from the first hand grip, said first handgrip mounted in fixed position on an end of said first rod and on oneside of said first collar, said second hand grip mounted in fixedposition on a second end of said second rod being situated opposite thefirst end of the second rod.
 2. The exercise device as in claim 1,wherein said coupling comprises a PVC (polyvinyl chloride) couplingmounted within said open end of the first rod that provides resistanceto the movement of the second rod within the first rod during thesliding movement of the second rod.
 3. The exercise device as in claim1, wherein said coupling comprises a bearing joining said first rod andsaid second rod that provides for sliding movement of the second rodwithin the first rod with suitable resistance.
 4. The exercise device asin claim 1 in which said first rod and second rod are constructed of PVC(polyvinyl chloride) pipe.
 5. The exercise device as in claim 1 in whichsaid hand grips are both axially aligned with the rods and each comprisea rubber or plastic member covering the respective end of each rod andhaving a surface providing a secure grip for the respective rods.
 6. Theexercise device as in claim 1 in which said first collar and said secondcollar each are equally weighted and comprise suitable fill material ofa predetermined weight.
 7. The exercise device as in claim 6 whereinsaid equally weighted collars are integrated as a compact weight memberon each end of the first rod and are not removable.
 8. The exercisedevice as in claim 1 in which said first collar and said second collareach include a receptacle for holding additional weight.
 9. The exercisedevice as in claim 7 wherein said receptacles each provide a sleeve forreceiving one or more stretchable weight rings.
 10. The exercise deviceas in claim 8 wherein each sleeve may receive up to three one-poundweight rings for providing three pounds of additional weight on each endof the first rod.
 11. The exercise device as in claim 1 wherein eachhandle is removable and each collar is removable from the first rod toremove weight from the exercise device.
 12. The exercise device as inclaim 10 wherein each collar is attached to the first rod by clips, andthe clips are manipulated to detach and remove the collars.
 13. A methodfor exercise comprising the steps of: a. providing an exercise devicecomprising a first rod and a second rod arranged for sliding movementand extension with respect to the first rod; b. providing opposinghandles with one handle on an end of the first rod and the opposinghandle on the second rod; c. gripping the opposing handles with aperson's hands; d. holding the exercise device behind the person's back;e. rotating the person's body while gripping the opposing handles; andf. extending the second rod from the first rod by sliding movementduring rotation of the person's body to provide improve stretchingexercise.
 14. A method for exercise as in claim 13 including theadditional step of providing belt around the person's waist on which theexercise device bears against on the person's back during rotation. 15.A method for exercise as in claim 13 in which the step of extending thesecond rod from the first rod include pulling the hand grip on thesecond rod away from the hand grip on the first rod by sliding movementof the second rod during rotation of the person's body.
 16. A method forexercise as in claim 13 including the additional step of providing aweighted member on each opposing end of the first rod.
 17. A method forexercise as in claim 16 including the additional step of providing acollar having a sleeve for each of said weighted members and placingseveral stretchable rings around each sleeve to add additional weight toeach of the opposing ends of the first rod.
 18. An exercise devicecomprising: an elongate first rod; an elongate second rod receivedwithin an open end of the first rod with a first end of the second rodbeing inserted into the open end the first rod and said second rod beingengaged for axial sliding movement outward from the open end of thefirst rod for telescoping operation such that said exercise device isextensible and said first rod having an inner diameter greater than thediameter of said second rod; a coupling mounted within said open end ofthe first rod that provides resistance to the movement of the second rodwithin the first rod during the sliding movement of the second rod, andfor limiting the extent of said axial sliding movement of said secondrod relative to said first rod, and that retains the second rod withinthe open end of the first; a first collar and a second collar, saidfirst collar integrated as a weight near one end of the first elongaterod and said second collar integrated as a weight near the opposite endof the first elongate rod, each collar including a sleeve receiving andretaining additional weight rings; and a first hand grip and a secondhand grip, both axially aligned with the rods and each comprising arubber or plastic member covering the respective end of each rod, thesecond hand grip extensible from the first hand grip, said first handgrip mounted in fixed position on an end of said first elongate rodsection and on one side of said first collar, said second hand gripmounted in fixed position on a second end of said second rod beingsituated opposite the first end of the second rod.
 19. An exercisedevice as in claim 18 comprising a bearing member attached to saidsecond rod between said second hand grip and said second collar.
 20. Anexercise device as in claim 19 in which said bearing member comprises aflexible rubber sphere about the second rod.